View the full issue for Summer 2009
Celebration of Biblical Preaching: Bridging the Gap Between the Bible and Our World Today
Preaching Plagiarism
by Dr. David Lose, The Marbury Anderson Chair in Biblical Preaching
What is Biblical Preaching?
by Karoline Lewis, Assistant Professor of Biblical Preaching
What We're Reading
by Travis Gerjets
D.Min. Spotlight on Bill Smith
Polish Your Preaching
In the Company of Preachers - Speaking about the Scriptures
Preachers on Preaching
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D.Min. Spotlight on Bill Smith
 "My best gift is in telling the biblical story and in motivating people through preaching," said Bill Smith, a first-year student in the Doctor of Ministry program in Biblical Preaching, who received his Master of Divinity degree from Luther. "So when I saw they had a biblical preaching doctorate I thought this would be my chance to see what that path was like," he said.
Smith, who works full time as district supervisor for building inspections for the City of Minneapolis, also serves as pastor at the 34-member Lily of the Valley A.M.E. (African Methodist Episcopal) Church in Apple Valley, Minn. The church holds services in a Lutheran Church that also shares its building with a Hispanic United Pentecostal Church.
Smith plans to complete his degree and work as a full-time pastor when he retires from his municipal job in a few years. He believes his doctorate will increase his credibility and job opportunities. "The other place I think it will make a big difference is in talking to people of different denominations, which I think is going to give a stronger credibility to my idea of collaboration."
Smith believes collaboration and diversity are important for churches. "I'm really anxious to establish a multi-cultural church and I'm anxious to do collaborative work between churches," he said. "So, we're in the perfect setting there with a Hispanic church and a Lutheran church all meeting in the same place."
Smith especially enjoys the diversity of backgrounds in his cohort—the group of students with whom he is progressing through the D.Min. program. "It's really been interesting," he said, describing the broad range of people from Alaska to upstate New York.
Smith hopes to focus his thesis on his passions for biblical preaching and multi-culturalism. "What I'm hoping to do is demonstrate in my thesis that denominational, cultural and ethnic barriers can be overcome if biblical preaching is at the forefront of the ministry," he said.
Smith has already inspired four other A.M.E. preachers to attend Luther Seminary's M.Div. program. He also would recommend the D.Min. program to someone considering it. "They should give it a shot because it really does give you back a dividend on whatever you bring to the table," he said.
According to Smith, it's ultimately the Christology of Luther Seminary that sets the school apart. "They have a very high regard for and extensive teaching on Christology and that makes a big different in how you're able to do ministry," he said. "Not all seminaries have that focus or reputation. Since Christ is the focus of the gospel, what better foundation could you have?"
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